How to Keep Cats Teeth Clean, this is one of many questions people ask on the internet the same as How To Clean Cats Teeth. These questions are essential. Why? Sit there, eat your morning pancakes with your morning coffee and imagine yourself for 1 second visiting your dentist.
Got your attention now?
Okay good! As a cat owner, one of the most important things you need to pay attention to are cleaning your cat’s teeth, how to clean Cats teeth, and how to keep cats’ teeth clean. All pets could have problems with their teeth, and it could be a massive problem for them that may lead to death! Yes, you read that right.
If a wild animal, let’s say a Lion, have a toothache for a long time that will eventually kill it. Because of two leading causes, first from the infection and the second is from pain which reduces the ability to eat. Again imagine yourself with toothache, can you eat properly?
Table of Contents
A Fact – Bad Dental Care = Pain
Almost 8 out of 10 cats’ that visits vet have teeth and gum problems at the age of 3. Just like our teeth as humans Cats mouth without proper cleaning will collect plaque and lead to periodontal diseases. Cats can’t go to the dentist, so you need to serve them as a dentist and give them a treat after your done.
No cleaning = Plaque accumulation, by the time pass without cleaning that will harden and form tartar, this tartar irritates the gum and could cause an inflammation called gingivitis if this gingivitis not treated well or at all that could contribute ultimately to teeth loss.
Again, if you keep your cat in this condition, it could lead to even worse problems such as infections, which is dangerous because it can cause further damage to the body and complication such as heart disease or kidney disease.
There are so many feline patients with severe painful mouth conditions. Some of them are always drooling. Some can barely manage to eat anything due to pain.
How to Keep Cats Teeth Clean
Proper dental hygiene is the key! Cats can’t use toothbrush or toothpaste to clean their teeth! They need help. Adult cats’ have 30 teeth, and it is difficult for them to keep them clean by themselves.
Now, some ask, but how wild cats’ keep their teeth clean or better say intact from problems our cats’ facing.
Well, these wild animals use some tools our cats’ can’t or don’t have, such as bones and grass! After a lion eats his full, it will chew the bone or grass to clean their mouth and teeth. It is just their way to keep their mouth clean!
Here are top 10 ways to keep your cats” teeth hygiene good and clean. After all, you want to prevent your feline from having severe problems and complication. Which means going to the veterinarian and having to undergo uncomfortable and expensive surgery after suffering from all this in silence.
1- Be Observant
First, you need to know the normal for your kitty. The mild fishy scent, which is known as the kitty breath, is typical. After knowing the normal now, you can search for the abnormal.
If you start smelling foul breath, this is an indication for a problem in the oral cavity. If the Bad breath and drooling left untreated, it could lead to further complications and Oral diseases.
2- Yearly Checkup
Cats are the same as humans need routine dental check-ups. For us, we need regular checkups every six months. As for cats’, it is enough to do it yearly. With this way, you can avoid serious problems and discover any problem as early as possible.
3- Learn How to Do it!
Learn how to brush your cat teeth. Eventually, as a cat owner, you need to learn how to do it! So learn it now To prevent diseases. There are different types of toothpaste designed to be with flavours that cats’ love. It will make your work easier!
4- Make it a Routine
When you start to establish a cleaning routine, it will be easier for both you and your cat. For you, you will get used to doing to it and easier for you to enjoy it.
As for your cat, it will get used to getting this cleaning routine every then and now. It will by the time, causing you trouble while doing it. So, the earlier in your cat age you start with this routine, the better.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends it to get your cat used to this routine and process while they are still kittens by using just your finger or gauze. Put the special kitten toothpaste and start doing it.
5- Thorough Routinely Checkups by You
I recommend you to do your own routinely checkups. While doing that be sure to be thorough with the checkups. Once you notice anything that is not normal, let your veterinarian know about it.
What does that mean? If you notice bleeding in the gum, bad breath or anything that you never saw before you need to take your cat to your vet as soon as possible (That’s why I recommend you to do it on a routine basis).
However, you need to know that occasional gum’s bleeding is not a dangerous condition, but if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as bad breath and drooling, it means there could be an oral infection or problem.
6- Cats Dental Floss – Bones
Lions, Tigers, Cheetahs or pet Cats. They are Cats! And Predators. So it is reasonable to give them bones to chew on, it is part of their natural diet. W is the natural way to keep your cat’s teeth healthy and clean.
hBUT, be careful. Try not to give them fish or chicken bones, even pork bones. They could splinter and cause internal damage. Also, raw bones are better since they are less likely to splinter than cooked ones.
7- Prevention – Don’t Wait for the Worse
Prevention, Prevention and Prevention. If you read all my articles here, I always say that. Prevention is the key. Why would anyone wait until it’s too late? Once you notice the problem, solve it fast!
Cats are vulnerable to get serious diseases such as heart, kidney diseases from tooth decay and gum diseases. In fact, in some studies, they state that they are linked and cause severe chronic illnesses.
Don’t wait for the big problem, clean your cat teeth and do routine checkups!
8- Is Cat’s (Extra-Gum) enough?
Some Cat owners think that tartar control treats and chews are enough and sufficient to clean their cat’s teeth effectively. I want to tell you, you are wrong. Tartar control chews and treats are good in moderation but not enough.
Think about it! Is Extra Gum good enough to stop brushing our teeth? It is right before your date to have a pleasant mouth smell for a good kiss. But you still need to brush your teeth. The same for Cats.
9- Good Diet, Good Teeth
Well, imagine yourself again eating Chocolate, pancakes, waffles, Chips, Fast food, IceCream, etc. every day. Is this good for your teeth?
Diet is an essential factor for healthy teeth and mouth. Maintaining a proper diet for your cat will ensure your cat’s healthy mouth and teeth. Feed your cat combination of dry and wet food as well as giving it variation of meats.
10- Massage the Gums
Massaging your cat’s gum is a good thing to maintain a cat’s oral health. It will accelerate healing and strengthen the gums, which will protect it from future gum problems. Gums should usually be pinkish and healthy, not reddish and appears irritated.
How To Clean Cats Teeth
Cleaning cats’ teeth can be tricky, sometimes annoying and maybe time-consuming task for you. But it is an essential task in a cats’ life.
Luckily, there are excellent tools designed especially for cats’ like toothbrush and special toothpaste that make it easier to get rid of plaque and bacteria.
Preparing for the “Teeth Cleaning”
1- Veterinarian Visit
A veterinarian visit is a vital starter because they will be able to confirm to you whether or not your cat has a buildup of plaque or tartar, and need further treatment.
Also, after your vet removes any problem in the oral cavity and cleans it, they can assess the overall oral health of your cat. And then they should be able to tell you if it is safe to brush the animal’s teeth and even how to do it.
The other good advantage of visiting your vet is that they will be able to recommend good oral care health products that will be safe and effective for your cat depending on their assessments.
2- Shopping Time
After visiting your Vet, you will have a good idea about different products that are good for your cat. Now, I recommend you to do further research by merely using google or going to a near pet supplier.
Of course, there are some necessary supplies you may consider buying them such as soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Without a doubt, you can’t use any human products. If you are lazy, you can always search and buy a dental kit which is a full dental supply in one kit.
3- Sniff, Taste and introduction
Start by introducing your cat to its toothpaste and toothbrush slowly. This process could take days. You can start here by putting a little bit of the toothpaste on your fingertip and let your cat lick it off.
Doing this over several days is suitable for your cat to be familiar with what you are going to use later.
All this can be tricky, but it is wise to buy different types of toothpaste for the first time because cats’ can be picky the same as us and prefer one over another. After that, you will determine your cat’s favourite toothpaste.
As for the toothbrush, it is almost the same process. Give it to your cat to interact with it. Your cat will mostly start to rub it with their cheeks and gums to mark it with its scent.
Let it mark its toothbrush and get him used to have it around his mouth before using it. It is recommended to allow your cat to have access to the toothbrush daily for 20 minutes for 2-3 days before using it. However, if you have multi cats’ then you need to make sure to have for each cat or pet has their own toothbrush.
4- Give it a Reward
This process is not all good every time. It could be stressful. So make sure to reward your cat with treats or favourite toy after every positive interaction.
Now Let’s Check How to Clean Cats Teeth.
How To Clean Cats Teeth – Step by Step
1- Make it Comfortable Process
Place your cat on a comfortable surface, area and comfortable position. W will help your cat to be relaxed and less stressed. This process should take around 30-45 seconds to brush your cat’s teeth.
2- Start Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth
Your cat now is ready for the process after we prepared it for days to both the toothpaste and toothbrush. Start brushing your cat’s teeth which will take around 30-45 seconds. Repeat this daily until your cats’ allow you to run the toothbrush gently along with the teeth and gum.
3- Make Circles along the Gum – Massage the Gum
Once your cat will enable you to do the previous step without struggling, start to make circles gently along the gum line and massaging the gum.
4- Brush it Regularly
You need to repeat this process every day, or at least several times a week to ensure your cat’s teeth and the oral cavity the healthiest as it can be.
5- Do Quick CheckUps
A fast Checkup for your cat’s teeth and the gum will be an ideal thing to do after you finish brushing it. Make a quick scan and check for any problem out there.
Vet Tutorial of How To Clean Cats Teeth
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dBySVcgIYI[/embedyt]
How To Clean Cats Teeth – Alternative Method to Brushing
Not all Cats will accept this process! So here are steps for an alternative method to brushing.
1- Know Your Cat’s Tendencies
Not all cats’ will allow you to brush their teeth so often. You could do this process several times, but some cats’ will not let you do it daily. You can combine this cleaning process with more regular visits to the vet.
2- Special Food For Dental Care
There are particular foods for cats’ that help them to get rid of plaque. You can search and purchase this food to help you with the process to clean your cat’s teeth. You will find that written on the food label “dental care”.
3- Dental Sprays and Additives
There are dental additives special for dental care that can be added to the water. It works as a mouth wash which reduces the bacteria in cat’s mouth.
4- Chewable Dental Care Toys
Chewable cat toys can be a fantastic addition to your cat dental care choices. They can be so helpful to remove soft tartar and massage the gum for your cat. With entertainment.
5- Last Man Standing! Get a Professional Cleaning
This is the last man standing choice for you. If you succeeded or not with the whole process, you need an occasional professional cleaning to make 100% sure that your cat dental health is perfect.
Conclusion
You, me and everyone else need to take care of our health from our teeth to more complicated things in our bodies. This is the same for our precious cats’.
It is essential to know how to keep cats’ teeth clean and to see the process of how to clean cats’ teeth. By knowing all that, we can ensure the best healthy and happy and disease-free life for our lovely family member.
So finally, I hope you found this article useful and informative. Let me know your answer, what do you think about taking care of cat teeth? Do cats’ need daily dental care? And What do you think you can do to protect your cats’ from dental problems?
If you have any other question or different opinion about How to Keep Cats Teeth Clean – How To Clean Cats Teeth leave a comment below.
Today’s Quote: “No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch”. -Leo Dworken
You’ll Also Love These Posts:
Studies have shown if you like this blog article — you will also love the following posts.
I never knew how wild cats didn’t get bad teeth like pets do. Now I know! Thanks for your article!
Hello Cathy,
Wild cats have their own ways to clean their bodies and teeth. Otherwise, it will be a problem for them. Toothache can cause death because simply they can’t eat properly.
Good day
Amazing! I am one of the people who love cats and i never knew how their teeth can be cleaned. Thank you very much for the brilliant ideas,
Regards
Aune
Hello Aune,
I am glad you liked the article! Cleaning cats teeth can be tricky but it is necessary to do. It is for the best to keep them happy and healthy.
This was a very interesting and informative article! As someone else said, I know people are brushing their dog’s teeth and having them have dentals, but this is the first I’ve heard of brushing your cat’s teeth.
I know my cats, I have two, and neither would tolerate me just going up to them and brushing their teeth. Your article walks me through the steps of getting them used to the tooth brush, smell of the tooth paste, and moving slow to get them to tolerate the actual brushing.
Thank you for making me become more aware of my cat’s needs. It will help me to become a better pet owner.
Hello Margaret,
It is understandable that people sometimes don’t know important stuff related to their pets. But researching and finding this information to keep your pet healthy and happy is important! Cleaning teeth is something you should do for dogs and cats. Cats can be looked at as kids. So they need our attention and care to keep them healthy.
Sadly I have to say, I lost a cat due to dental issues.
This is an important topic and you have so many good
ideas to help with our cats dental hygiene.
I never thought to massage the cats gums?
It makes sense to help with blood flow which helps
with healing.
Thanks for the post.
Hello CindyL,
I am sorry to hear that. Dental hygiene is so important for cats and even for other pets. Massaging for the gums is good to increase the blood supply as you said, which help to keep them healthy and strong.
Great ideas! Yes, I have to say that I did not know that there are some many ways to clean our cat´s teeth. In fact, I am guilty of the charge for not taking care of them. I really thought that the cat´s teeth well…” Can be taken care of themselves”. I like the idea about bones you suggested, I will try to do that more often since I am more a Natural Guy, and that could even give her some extra fun! I would like to ask you about this, do you have any recommendations for bones? I know that some of them can be dangerous.
Thank you for the tips!
Hello Pablo,
It is important to know everything about the health of our precious pets to avoid dangerous complication because lack of knowledge. As you said, you thought that cats don’t need any help with teeth cleaning. However, it is not like that and they need it as I wrote. As for the bones, as I suggested avoid bones from fish, chicken and pork. To get the best choice for your cat, it is better to contact your vet.
Wow this was such an interesting read I had no idea there was so much to know about cleaning cat’s teeth.
I’m hoping to get a cat soon and I’m already one step ahead thanks to this post. Thank you for spreading the knowledge!!
Owning a cat is something no one will know or understand until they try! It is simply amazing and different. I hope you find your other half and before you get a cat to check its personality and make sure it is the one that can be lived with.
Wow,
Honestly, I never believed I would have to clean my little buddy’s teeth. (I adopted it from the street 2 months ago). Can you imagine what would have happened, if I didn’t come across to your article…
I used to think exactly as you described it: “Well, there are a lot of homeless cats, wild cats, and etc.” that it didn’t even come to my mind about cleaning the teeth of the home cats.
I didn’t know that the food may help to keep its teeth healthy as well. I knew that some foods are better for the common health, but not exactly for the teeth. Well, we learn something new every, don’t we?
Thanks for bringing this to me. It is really appreciated.
Hello Teodor,
I am glad this article was informative for you. Taking care of our cats can be difficult at first but later it is going to be fun and good! because your cat is simply part of your family now. It is the same as having a baby! I wish you and your new friend the best!
Hi, Mohammad.
Thank you for this informative article about how to keep cats teeth healthy. I do not have a pet yet, but I enjoyed reading it.
We know that teeth are very important for human beings. According to some statistics, an elderly man/woman who lost all of his / her teeth usually cannot live more than a few years because foods cannot be chewed. That is why a dental implant is crucial.
Your article is very informative. Especially, I liked the part on wild animals’ toothache. I did not know wild animal such as lion can die from toothache. I was always wondering how the wild animals maintain teeth hygiene, and your article has an answer to my question – bone chewing. Good to know!
Also, the YouTube video which shows ‘how to clean cat’s teeth’ clearly demonstrates what you are trying to explain in this article.
Thank you.
I am glad that you found this article informative. Owning a pet is one of the best things you will experience. I encourage you to have one.
Very thorough and very informative! I’ve never had any luck with actually brushing my cat’s teeth… she’s a very sweet girl but also very head strong… and just all around very physically strong for a cat of her size! But you’ve encouraged me to maybe try again.
I certainly know first hand just how important dental care is for your cat. My girl has had a few dental cleanings and unfortunately has had to have a few teeth removed. When I first got her, she had a smelly mouth, which was a sure sign that something was wrong. She does get dental treats, but I’ll be looking for some other chew sticks for her in the near future. Like matatabi sticks.
But I’ve worked with enough cats on a professional level to know that dental care is of utmost importance.
Thanks for spreading the word!
Lovely. I have Suzy and she is the same as your cat! taking care of our cats’ dental health is not only a task we should do. It is something we do to protect our cats from diseases and serious problems.
I am glad this was informative for you.
Hi! I never thought about cats needing dental care, I know people do it with dogs and horses but cats? that was new to me until I read your article. The first thing I did when I read your article, I ran to my cat, woke him up from his dreamy afternoon nap and looked into his mouth, he did not like that, that was funny lol. It will take some time for him to get used to me brushing his teeth but it’s for his own good to keep him healthy. Thank you very much. From now on, I will brush his teeth every day, and keep a close watch for a new article on your site. Keep up the good work.
That’s great to know! Yes, take care of your cat and brush his teeth. Keeping our cats and all pets healthy should be our priority.